Questions for casters and shotmakers

[ScubaCam]

So I just started reloading shotshells, it's going well but I want to try and cheapen it up further and just have some fun.
I have seen machines, homemade and purchased that make lead shot. I have read both on this site and others (cast boolits) that just about all I can, but I still would like some more information.
Question 1: Has anyone here made a shot making machine of there own? If so are you willing to share some pictures/drawings/plans? I work in a machine shop, so making one with some input, shouldn't be too bad.
Question 2: What is the size of hole you need to drip the lead through to get a 7.5 or 8 shot?
Question 3: Do you add anything to the lead while you're melting it, or just use it as is? (once you've cleaned it)
Question 4: Has anyone ran into any health concerns? Burns, lead posioning (through contact or vapor)

Hope to hear something

 

[saskgunowner101]

I can only give you some thoughts on #4. I'm not sure of your experience with melted lead, but avoid water getting near it/in it at all costs. I hear you get a lead explosion from water. I was casting one evening as it was getting cooler, and the moisture out of the air was enough to make my stir spoon start to fizzle and pop when I stirred the mix.

Being careful will take care of the not burning yourself part. I'm not sure about the lead poisoning part. Smelt in an open area and set up a fan while smelting or casting. I know the smelting kicks up lots of nasty smoke from all the garbage.

I think if you keep your lead at normal casting temperatures, you don't have to worry about lead vaporizing. It melts around 620 F (I think??) and vaporizes somewhere past 900-1000.... to the best of my knowledge.

Wash your hands before smoking/eating sammich and you should live for a long time.